What type of RIB is needed for cross channel?

BrAinZ · 17 May 2009, 22:01

Going to be buying my first rib this season, but was just wondering what would be the minimum type required for the VERY occasional cross channel trip.

Live on the Isle of Wight, so most of our trips would be in the Solent, or along the South coast, but would be good (but not essential!) if could get something should the whim to travel the channel tickle our fancy.

Thinking of something around 6.5m, perhaps a Cobra, Ballistic or Ribeye.

CJL · 17 May 2009, 23:16

This type!

http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/F195817

Chris

Pete7 · 18 May 2009, 08:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrAinZ

Going to be buying my first rib this season, but was just wondering what would be the minimum type required for the VERY occasional cross channel trip.

Live on the Isle of Wight, so most of our trips would be in the Solent, or along the South coast, but would be good (but not essential!) if could get something should the whim to travel the channel tickle our fancy.

Thinking of something around 6.5m, perhaps a Cobra, Ballistic or Ribeye.

6.5m would be nice, but Peter White (experienced instructor and author) crossed in a 5.2m rib in 92. However it is the sea conditions which will dictate if you go or not rather thant he size of the rib. Lots of folk on here have crossed, worth using the search for "Alderney" to have a good read.

A video from 2 years ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hg1B7M86U8

Channel Ribs · 18 May 2009, 09:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrAinZ

Going to be buying my first rib this season, but was just wondering what would be the minimum type required for the VERY occasional cross channel trip.

As Pete says, it is the weather that matters. Any boat will cope with a channel crossing, so long as the weather is good. The question you need to answer for yourself is - what conditions do I want my boat to cope with.

I fully intend to take our 6m RIB over to Cowes next month, but if the weather suggests anything over a F4 then I shall fly in stead!

roywebster · 18 May 2009, 09:55

You could look at this http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/RBK021

I have sent you a private message

Roy

philb · 18 May 2009, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

6.5m would be nice, but Peter White (experienced instructor and author) crossed in a 5.2m rib in 92. However it is the sea conditions which will dictate if you go or not rather thant he size of the rib. Lots of folk on here have crossed, worth using the search for "Alderney" to have a good read.

A video from 2 years ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hg1B7M86U8

Hi Pete, that still brings a huge smile to my face :-) a great 1st time trip across the pond, hope all is well. Phil

horizon43 · 18 May 2009, 14:15

I'm a bit new to this forum malarkey but Personally i would steer clear of the mass produced imported ribs that will fall to bits and compress your spine. I would be looking for a decent British built rib with a commercial pedigree i.e the Red bay-Ribcraft-Ribquest- Humber, over the years I have owned and used quite a few ribs and at the moment i am very pleased with my 6.3m Ribquest from the new company, it has been used quite a lot in varying seas off the west coast of Scotland and is very capable and comfortable. I will also say its probably one the best put together Ribs I've seen, I have to say for a fairly new company they seem to be getting it right.
Hope this helps.

Downhilldai · 18 May 2009, 21:27

Another first poster bigging up the Ribquest

Mighty Nemo · 18 May 2009, 21:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Another first poster bigging up the Ribquest

And he calls his boat "SCARP". is that an anagram?

horizon43 · 19 May 2009, 12:47

This is exactly the reason i have stayed away from posting on this forum in the past, because you get comments like this from small minded people who's limited rib experience equates to pottering round the the bay in north wales.
spouting comments that are based on little or NO knowledge. And for you information SCARP is a small island off the west coat of Lewis.

JSP · 19 May 2009, 13:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by horizon43

This is exactly the reason i have stayed away from posting on this forum in the past, because you get comments like this from small minded people who's limited rib experience equates to pottering round the the bay in north wales.
spouting comments that are based on little or NO knowledge. And for you information SCARP is a small island off the west coat of Lewis.

It's all just a bit of fun Horizon. I wouldn't take it personally. No good saying Downhilldai has little or no knowledge though. He's proved himself in past posts.
It's all just abit of Ribbing

Downhilldai · 19 May 2009, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by horizon43

This is exactly the reason i have stayed away from posting on this forum in the past, because you get comments like this from small minded people who's limited rib experience equates to pottering round the the bay in north wales.
spouting comments that are based on little or NO knowledge. And for you information SCARP is a small island off the west coat of Lewis.

Making a few assumptions there, aren't you?

horizon43 · 19 May 2009, 13:22

i didn't say anything regarding downhilldai?

GordyP · 19 May 2009, 13:34

To get back to the OP.

I've had experience of Avon, Zodiac and Humber ribs around 6 - 6.5m, i now have a refurbed Halmatic Arctic which i have to say wins hands down as far as a sea boat especially when carrying load. Two engines gives piece of mind as well.

JSP · 19 May 2009, 13:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordyP

To get back to the OP.

I've had experience of Avon, Zodiac and Humber ribs around 6 - 6.5m, i now have a refurbed Halmatic Arctic which i have to say wins hands down as far as a sea boat especially when carrying load. Two engines gives piece of mind as well.

Sounds nice Gordy!

Maximus · 19 May 2009, 13:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordyP

To get back to the OP.

I've had experience of Avon, Zodiac and Humber ribs around 6 - 6.5m, i now have a refurbed Halmatic Arctic which i have to say wins hands down as far as a sea boat especially when carrying load. Two engines gives piece of mind as well.

Now THEY are pretty 'bullet proof'!and should take a cross channell in it's stride. Planning a crossing myself later in the year,and have no reservations about doing it in my 5M+ Ribcraft....WITH suitable weather.Why would anyone not ere on the side of caution,especialy on a''PLEASURE CRUISE'' with members of the family?
I see HMS's son even did it a while ago on a Zapcat! have a good one,and Good luck!

codprawn · 19 May 2009, 14:08

Whatever boat you make the crossing in check all the weather data first. When you say across the channel from the Isle of Wight I assume you mean in the direction of the Channel Islands? If so there is a weather buoy/light ship bang in the middle that tells you exactly what it is like out there.

http://www.xcweather.co.uk/

Hold the mouse over it and it tells you current conditions including wave height. Click and it tells you temp and forecast.

When I crossed it was 26C in guernsey - 26C in Weymouth and 11C in the middle. Ended up wearing a ski mask and goggles!!!

Downhilldai · 19 May 2009, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

... Ended up wearing a ski mask and goggles!!!

I thought that was because you were trying to be incognito to avoid the welcome party

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14698

codprawn · 19 May 2009, 22:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

I thought that was because you were trying to be incognito to avoid the welcome party

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14698

Too right - one of JK's masks would have been better!!!

BrAinZ · 19 May 2009, 23:10

Thanks for all the replies guys, as with everything, it looks like it's a bit of personal preference as much as anything else